You’ll be glad to hear that there are many of possibilities even if you may not be looking forward to having to go to bed with a mask strapped to your face. You no longer have to worry about wearing CPAP masks that looks like something out of a Halloween horror movie since they have advanced significantly since their original designs.
Modern masks include soft cushioning and cushions to increase comfort, and they are considerably smaller and lighter. For those who breathe through their mouths, cpap mask that fit over both the mouth and nose are the best solution. Alternatively, some masks are tiny enough to fit directly over or under the nasal passages.
The majority of masks are designed to be fastened to the headgear that encircles the back of the head. It’s crucial to have the proper fit in order to maintain your comfort and stop leaks that might reduce the efficacy of treatment and irritate your eyes. Click here for best pro tips on how to prepare for a successful cataract surgery.
There are numerous different types of masks, some of them are even made expressly for women. For mouth breathers, there are several nasal masks that include chin straps to keep the mouth shut.
How to Sleep with a Mask
Being patient with yourself is the most crucial thing to remember while beginning CPAP masks treatment. It will take some time to become accustomed to sleeping with a mask on and forced air, which might initially make it more difficult to fall asleep at night. Baby stages are essential for easing you into CPAP masks and positioning you for long-term success.
Expecting to put on your brand-new mask and endure eight hours of treatment on the first night is unrealistic. Start by wearing your mask about the home to become used to the sensation, then gradually introduce compressed air while engaging in some kind of diversion, such as keeping up on celebrity rumors or watching Netflix. You may tweak and build up to a full night of treatment by starting with smaller objectives and progressively adding larger time increments.
Make Sure It Fits
Have you ever attempted to squeeze into a pair of trousers you didn’t fit into or worn shoes that were too large for you? Finding the ideal fit for your mask is a crucial first step since comfort is key. The ideal persons to contact for mask fitting are your doctor, sleep specialist, or CPAP masks provider.
After deciding on a mask, the next step is to arrange a fitting where you may choose the proper size and shape the headwear to suit your head and face. You’ll feel uncomfortable and wake up with lines where the straps formerly were on your cheeks if the mask is too tight. Air will flow out around the mask if it is too loose, hurting the face and eyes and preventing a good seal.
RAMP
Starting with a lower pressure setting may be helpful if you have trouble sleeping or coping with the forced air. A common built-in function known as “ramp” enables you to fall asleep at the lowest pressure while the machine gradually raises the pressure to the level recommended by your doctor.
It might be worthwhile to consider switching to a different machine if yours lacks a “ramp” setting. Many patients eventually get sufficiently used to treatment that they may stop using the “ramp.” However, it may be quite useful at first.
Use a humidifier or a nasal spray
Your CPAP masks machine draws air from your bedroom, so if the heat or air conditioning is on during the winter, it may be unpleasant and irritate your airways.
Using humidified air may be beneficial if you often wake up with a runny nose or even the rare nosebleed. A nasal saline spray may also help avoid overdrying of the nostrils by applying it before night.
An adjustable bed
An adjustable base bed elevates the head of the bed, similar to sleeping with a wedge pillow, which may lessen snoring. Although it may also be a fantastic alternative for people undergoing CPAP masks treatment, sleeping at an angle may help with certain minor sleep apnea symptoms.
An adjustable bed may enable you to reduce your pressure settings by aiding in the maintenance of open airways. This could make treatment more tolerable for you and improve your probability of continuing with it. An additional benefit of an adjustable bed is that it brings you a bit closer to the machine and gives you a little more area on the hose for movement.
If being in cramped quarters has always upset you, wearing a CPAP masks mask can provide an equal challenge. Some individuals experience claustrophobia and anxiety while wearing a tight-fitting mask over their airways. On top of all that, some individuals have a feeling of choking, fear, or hold their breath as a result of the hurricane-like wind rushing into their mouth or nose.
Start out by casually wearing the mask around the home if you are prone to anxiousness. Utilizing a diversion, gradually increase the air pressure while keeping it at the lowest setting. If you still have anxiety every time you put on your mask after using visualization and encouraging self-talk, it could be worthwhile to seek anxiety therapy.
Consult your doctor to learn what resources may be available to assist you deal with your emotions around CPAP masks treatment. They could advise you to seek out a therapist who can show you how to manage your anxiety or who can assist you in looking at CPAP masks alternatives.
Relief from Expiratory Pressure
Expiratory pressure release, sometimes referred to as CFLEX, is an additional optional setting that may improve your comfort, much like the “ramp” function. Expiratory pressure relief reduces pressure when you exhale, while the majority of CPAP masks devices produce airflow at a constant pressure rate. This helps to reduce sensations of being out of breath.
When you exhale, the majority of machines will drop the pressure by 1, 2, or 3 settings, making it simpler to let out your breath. Some even have sophisticated capabilities that automatically adapt depending on the individual breathing patterns of each person. Patients who have trouble getting used to forced air may find that expiratory pressure release is a setting that improves compliance.
A different sleeping position
Your sleeping posture is crucial in the management of OSA. Sleeping on the back might make symptoms worse, since this posture causes the tongue to slide back, closing the airways.
While some masks are great for side sleepers, others work better for back sleepers. Remember that lying on your side may cause the tubing in your mask to kink, decreasing the airflow and pressure through it. Fortunately, there are plenty of masks that are made for side sleeping and contain components that stop the tube from kinking.
Learning to sleep on your side may help you have less sleep apnea symptoms and need lower pressure settings. Even while you may not be able to quit treatment right immediately, this might be a step in the right direction toward ultimately ceasing to need CPAP masks.
The ability to utilize a nose mask rather than a full face mask is another advantage of side sleeping. However, many users who sleep on their backs demand the greatest pressure settings, which can only be provided with a full face design. Nasal masks are smaller and often more pleasant to use.
